Storylines

It's required some entertaining remit-manipulation for the BBC to land the services of Kate Oates, essentially to lift the ratings for EastEnders.

The former producer of Emmerdale and Coronation Street will have the title Senior Executive Producer, overseeing EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty. Less than two years ago, Oliver Kent was appointed Head of Continuing Drama Series for BBC Studios Scripted, taking responsibility for Eastenders, Holby City, Casualty, Doctors and River City.

Kate will report to Oliver when she arrives in October, but presumably he's then left with Doctors and River City to run. In June 2017, John Yorke was brought in on a three-month deal to run EastEnders; that deal has been extended and extended, and he'll now stay until the end of this year, to ensure a measured handover to Kate.

Then what for John ? Mark Linsey, Chief Creative Officer BBC Studios, says "we will be announcing his next role with us in the coming weeks.”